Abstract These interviews were conducted for MOCA's 2013 fashion exhibition, Front Row. The exhibition traced and celebrated the rise of Chinese American designers who have made their mark in the international world of fashion. In the interviews, the designers discuss the diversity of their aesthetics, their individualized approaches to branding, and how their varying personal relationship to cultural identity has shaped what we now understand as not only New York fashion, but an American sense of...

Scope and Contents

This sub-series consists of thirteen objects as well as three paintings related to Chinese American culture and art. Objects include wine bottles, fortunetelling sticks, a jigsaw puzzle, a glass tumbler, a tin can, merchandise packagings, a war memorial medal, a ceramic large plate with match covers and a check, a letterpress block, and a shirt.

Three paintings are by artists Helen Gee (Yun Gee's wife), Paul Fung Jr., and Irving Sinclair.

Abstract MOCA has launched the OneWorld COVID-19 Special Collection that seeks to document and share the stories of Chinese Americans and the Chinese diaspora resisting coronavirus-fueled hate with incredible acts of compassion and generosity. This collection will not only feature stories of community efforts but also highlight experiences of individuals and families during these unprecedented times. We welcome you to send us a write-up, photos, videos, audio, emails, texts, and any other materials...

Abstract MOCA sits down with Carol Xie to discuss her experience volunteering at her family’s restaurant, Purple Dot, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Carol explains how she has been managing the restaurant’s social media presence while also working a separate job. She also talks about her family’s history and roots in China up until her father bought the restaurant. She discusses growing up adjacent to the Chinatown where Purple Dot is located as well as the importance of the area to her childhood....

Abstract Born in Chongqing, China and raised in Taiwan, Ching Yeh Chen came to the United States in 1971 to pursue a graduate and masters degree. Chen finally settled in New York and joined her husband operating a retail corporation, Pearl River Market, which was officially founded in 1980. Discussing the history of Pearl River, Chen explains that the corporation had been created to introduce the “real China” to the American society, since as Chen argues there was no significant relationship between...

Abstract Jefferson Li’s family owns and runs the New York Chinatown butcher shop 47 Division Street Trading Inc. Like many Chinatown businesses, his family business took a huge economic hit due to the pandemic. Li took to the popular social news aggregator website Reddit to try and drum up business by publicizing their low prices to New Yorkers who wouldn’t normally be their primary demographic, becoming a pseudo celebrity in the process. As someone who has been in the Chinatown community prior to...

Abstract In this interview, using a pseudonym, "Johnny Lee" recounts his life history. He recollects being raised in Hong Kong by his mother while his father worked in America. He remembers his time at Chinatown Seward Park High School bilingual program, classmates who dropped out to join Chinese gangs, after-school work as a button-sewer in garment factories, college work as a dishwasher at a Chinese restaurant, and the decision to leave City College to pursue full-time work at an Off-Track Betting...

Abstract In this interview, Lou Castaldo discusses the business of his father; Vinnies Pizzeria was established during the early 1970s in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn. He recounts his father coming to America and life before starting the business. Castaldo describes the various ethnic cultures and neighborhoods he observed while growing up in Brooklyn; including significant events, activities, hobbies, family life and traditions. Castaldo recalls a significant period of change in Sunset...

Abstract Michael Tong describes his path from his birth of Anhui to becoming one of the most successful restauranteurs in New York City with two four-star restaurants. Moving first to Shanghai and Hong Kong before settling in the US, Mr. Tong studied civil engineering but chose to work in a NYC restaurant after graduation. From there, he opened up two restaurants, Shun Lee Palace and Shun Lee West, where he developed his love for different Chinese cuisines and helped bring Sichuan and Hunanese food...